Debunking 5 unrealistic expectations of having an online business

Starting and growing an online business has many perks—but that doesn't mean it's going to be fun all the time… In the beginning, we often have unrealistic expectations built up by all of the external noise around us, and then feel flat and uncertain wondering if we're “doing it right” when it doesn't happen! In today's episode, I'm debunking 5 of these unrealistic expectations and revealing more realistic approaches instead.

– The benefits of organic growth and why online businesses don't grow overnight
– How dispelling the myth that social media is ALL you need to grow your audience will help you to explore other ways too.
– Why investing in your business is necessary to flourish and grow.
– The true non-linear growth of business and why taking a step back is sometimes necessary to move forward.
– The reality of operating an online business—it's not always going to be fun!

Starting and growing an online business is a journey filled with both highs and lows. Today, we'll debunk five common unrealistic expectations that many people have when they venture into the world of online entrepreneurship. These expectations are often shaped by social media, success stories, and the media, which tend to highlight only the exceptional cases, leaving the rest of us questioning our path.

1. Your Business Will Grow Quickly

A common expectation is that your business will see rapid growth. This belief is often accompanied by the thought that if growth doesn't happen quickly, you're doing something wrong. However, unless you have a substantial budget to invest in various aspects of your business—such as strategy, sales, paid advertising, and PR—growth is likely to be slow. Organic growth takes time, and that’s okay. Patience is key. As your income increases, reinvest it into refining your sales and marketing strategies or hiring experts to help you scale.

Slow growth allows you to fine-tune your processes and align all aspects of your business before scaling up. Rapid growth can magnify small issues into significant problems, so taking your time can actually be beneficial.

2. Posting on Social Media Is All You Need

Many believe that simply being active on social media is sufficient to grow their audience. This expectation stems from past social media success stories where people seemingly built businesses overnight. While social media is a valuable tool, it’s not the sole answer. Building an online business involves creating effective sales processes to convert followers into buyers, managing cash flow, making strategic investments, and seeking partnerships and collaborations.

Social media should be part of a broader strategy. Focus on developing a comprehensive approach that includes direct client interactions, networking, and perhaps even speaking engagements to expand your reach and credibility.

3. You Can Build a Successful Business Without Investing

It's possible to start a business with minimal funds, but at some point, you will need to invest to continue growing. If you’re not an expert in every area—brand strategy, sales, marketing, copywriting, design, and finances—you will need to either hire experts or invest time and money in learning these skills.

Free content can be helpful, but it often adds to your workload without providing a clear, actionable process. Investing in high-quality resources or expert help can streamline your efforts and reduce overwhelm.

4. Business Growth Will Be Linear

Many expect their business growth to be a straight upward trajectory. In reality, growth is often cyclical. There will be times when you need to step back, reassess, and lay new foundations before you can move forward again. Personal growth parallels business growth, with each new level presenting new challenges and fears.

For example, overcoming a fear of public speaking at one level doesn't mean it won't resurface when speaking to larger audiences. Growth involves continuous self-improvement and adapting to new responsibilities.

5. Your Business Will Be Fun All the Time

While having fun is a significant part of running your own business, it’s unrealistic to expect that every aspect will be enjoyable. There will always be tasks that you find tedious or challenging. However, as your business grows, you can delegate these tasks to others who enjoy them.

Remember, social media often showcases only the enjoyable aspects of running a business, not the behind-the-scenes hard work. Comparing your journey to others based on these highlights can lead to unnecessary frustration.

Conclusion

Having realistic expectations is crucial for sustaining motivation and making informed decisions in your business journey. Embrace the slow growth, integrate social media into a broader strategy, invest wisely, accept the non-linear nature of growth, and understand that not every moment will be fun. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and enjoy the rewards of building your online business.

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